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Photo Album-England

The lost gardens of Heligan

Heligan means "The Willows" in Cornish and they date back to the twelfth century. Situated near the fishing village of Mevagissey, Heligan was once part of an estate of over 1000 acres.

During the First World War, over one-half of the staff perished on the mud of Flanders, resulting in the gardens becoming overgrown and eventually, 'lost'.

In 1990, John Willis inherited the gardens. In conjunction with the British Trust for Conservation and the Countryside Commission with its "Task Force Trees" initiative, the area was gradually cleared and more than 5,000 new trees planted. Much of the original plant stock survived and sprouted again to be enjoyed by today's visitors.

	The story of the re discovery of the lost gardens of Heligan is told at length elsewhere. I will just share a few pictures that I took on our visit.		It's a tribute to the original gardeners and their considerable expertise, that years of debris were 'peeled' away to reveal paths and shrubs in pristine condition.
There are so many different walks and areas to the garden, it was difficult to know which way to go. When I find the brochure, I will add some more info!		The Italian Garden, which is really charming
	and the other way...
Alongside the vegetable gardens there is a (stone) shed; full of authentic tools. Not an electric labour saver in the house.			talking of labour saving, this gentleman has clearly been at this for a long time.
	The bigger picture...	...and the bigger insect
This, my friends, is a sculpture in mud. We are on the way to the Jungle and the hidden garden.			For me, this was the best part of the gardens.
	Tranquillity plus...	If this is jungle, I like it. No leeches or alligators.
Gunnera Gigantica. Big Rhubarb.			We didn't get down as far as the hidden valley. Maybe next time.
	_____ gigantica	Jean and her father (83) take a break from the walking.
and so does this hen			and this goose
	not to mention the doves	at least the insects are working.